But the offering isn’t just about where a customer can access information, but about what kind of information they can receive, David Smith, director of marketing and communications at COPS, told Security Systems News.

Most home control apps from major panel manufacturers tell a subscriber when they had an alarm or when the system was armed and disarmed, Smith said. What they can’t always provide is the often more telling information that resides on the central station automation software.

“For instance, when an alarm goes off, you might not be able to tell if the central station called the premises, whether somebody got a passcode, or whether police were dispatched,” Smith said.

The mobile product relays precisely this kind of information to subscribers. These event details, Smith said, can be crucial as far as offering peace of mind in the event an emergency. The mobile edition also has a “one touch” feature that gives customers the ability to call the central station immediately. It also allows customers to contact their dealer via email.

The grouped access launch enables customers to place up to five accounts on test at a time. The company will monitor what kind of load this puts on the systems, Smith said, adding that the mobile edition test limit “may be expanded later.” The product is especially well suited for dealers who have business customers with chain accounts, or for those whose customers manage multiple fire systems across several buildings, Smith said.

Smith noted that private labeling is another important facet of the subscriber access portal, which can be customized to match dealer colors and logos. These kinds of expanded branding opportunities resonate with dealers big and small, Smith said.

“Dealers love that, even the dealers with one account,” he said. “It immediately enhances their company’s image, being able to offer tools and services some believe only the big players are able to offer."